Russian Doll
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The framing is also markedly different rather than relive her birthday, Nadia is reliving parts of the past.
Nadias death paradox was tricky enough, but how do you explain taking a train into your mothers body?
You do nothing but take and take, Vera spits out.
Nadia may think shes limited her damage to herself, despite her death-induced epiphanies four years ago.
Of course, future, er, present Nadia also stands to gain from tracking down the coins.
Thats enough for Nadias college tuition … and a racehorse.
Well, its actually 30-something Ruth (played here by Annie Murphy).
Both Ruths seem committed or maybe resigned?
to help Nora, no matter what the situation is.
Ruth of 1982 barely even blinks before plunking down her engagement ring to help Nora secure the Krugerrands.
Her eyes flash with concern as Nadia-Nora rambles about stocks, but Ruth soon breaks down.
Throughout Coney Island Baby (and Nowhen),Russian Dolluses reflections to distinguish between Nadia and Nora.
There go those mirrors again and all other manner of reflective surfaces, like subway windows.
Even when Chloe Sevigny plays Nora, she adopts Lyonnes mannerisms (which is a delight to witness).
And, if her behavior around Ruth is any indication, Nora is starting to influenceher.
And its an absolute gut-punch of a scene Nadias resignation weighs so heavily that she stoops over the receiver.
It even flattens the usual (admittedly raspy) vibrance of her voice.
Water seeks its own level, she muses, referring to Noras choice of companions.
I hope that this can be a second chance for you guys and that you dont just destroy things.
Even more heartbreaking is her sign-off: I love you.
I tried my best.
What a way for aRussian Dollmovie to maybe end, huh?
Nadia-Nora boards a train, believing shes heading to Veras place.
But then she sees Alan on a moving train across the way, looking stunned yet happy.
And at that moment, the bag disappears, and so does Noras (and maybe Nadias?)
Its not a fall through a set of cellar doors, but its just as devastating.
Is that why she sees Alan?
If so, is she unable to take a six train or any train in the past?
Max and Nadias relationship has always been a bit fraught, and the tension is starting to show.
So I guess Alan also boarded the time-travel express?
Where do we think he went?
Nadias web search for Chez seems to turn up his real birthday: 11/23/55.
Hes still a creep, especially after that quads like a stallion line.
But Chezs own early disappointment provides the episode title and taps into that universal feeling of if only.
Speaking of Chez, Sharlto Copley should be lauded for delivering two flavors of dirtbag 40 years apart.
Youre naming the baby after me?
Well, thats a letdown.
Hey, according to that plaque, Nadia Koshal was best in sales for Q4 in 1981!
